BUDAPEST, Hungary – It’s beyond no doubt that relocating to a new country comes with its fair share of challenges, and so, Lily Jepkorir Tanui’s experience was no different.
At just 19, Lily made the life-changing decision to move to Budapest, Hungary, to pursue a Bachelor’s in Environmental Engineering.
Before then, her passion for environmental conservation had led her to register her organisation dubbed, the Tree Growers Association of Kenya.
“Leaving home was difficult—not just because I was stepping into the unknown, but because I feared I would struggle to continue my activism and sensitisation efforts. However, I knew advancing my studies was an important step in my journey,” Lily told Y News.
Upon arriving in Hungary, she quickly adapted to life—the cold winters and warm summers, the international atmosphere, diverse cuisines, and rich cultural experiences.
However, one unexpected challenge caught her off guard: skincare.
“My face was constantly dry and flaky. Back home, I had relied on beauty products like Vaseline, Arimis, and basic body lotions, which, while not ideal, never seemed to cause extreme effects,” Lily added.
How Lily Tanui faced difficulties in maintaining her skincare
But in Budapest, the harsh winters and unpredictable climate demanded more than just a simple moisturizer, Lily told Y News in an exclusive interview.
“Desperate for a solution, I visited a dermatologist and was prescribed a skincare routine that, while recommended, felt expensive and didn’t yield the results I had hoped for,” said Lily.
So, determined to find something better, Lily started researching skincare solutions and discovered that Korean skincare was globally recognised for its gentle yet highly effective techniques—focusing on strengthening the skin barrier, deep hydration, and soothing ingredients.
“I visited a local store, where I received guidance on what to buy, and later, my friend Yanga Mangisa recommended the Purito Centella Serum. That was the game-changer. By 2021, my skin had completely transformed, and I started receiving compliments from friends and even strangers,” explained the elated Lily.
In 2022, Lily had the incredible opportunity to visit Seoul as a social media writer for the World Forestry Congress.
“The first thing I noticed upon landing in Seoul was the flawless, glass-like skin of the locals. Their dedication to skincare, rooted in a cultural obsession with youthful, healthy skin, was truly inspiring. It made me reflect: If I had grown up in such a culture, I wouldn’t have struggled so much when I first moved to Budapest. That was the moment the idea for Skin Glow Essentials was born,” Lily further said.
Why young Lily Tanui ventured into Skin Glow Essentials
While on holiday back home in Kenya, Lily disclosed that she realised how difficult it was to access high-quality skincare products.
“That fueled my motivation to bridge the gap. Today, I own Skin Glow Essentials, a digital business where clients can order authentic Korean skincare products with convenient pickup options in Eldoret and Nairobi, as well as nationwide delivery,” added the young entrepreneur.
Against this backdrop, Y News sought to know from Lily why just the Korean skincare?
According to Lily, a native of Uasin Gishu County in Kenya’s Rift Valley region, Korean skincare has advanced formulations.
“Korean skincare products leverage cutting-edge research, utilising innovative ingredients such as snail mucin, Centella asiatica, and fermented extracts to provide deep nourishment and healing,” she said.
Lily, who in 2016 got an opportunity to attend the Yale Young Global Scholars exchange program on Sustainability, Energy, and Environment in Connecticut, USA, opined that Korean skincare is rich for its layering technique for maximum absorption.
“Yet again, the Korean skincare philosophy revolves around layering lightweight yet highly potent products, ensuring that every step effectively hydrates, soothes, and strengthens the skin barrier,” explained Lily.
Why Lily Tanui believes everyone should embrace Korean skincare
The Work For Her Dream Organisation brand ambassador, Lily, observed that Korean skincare has a holistic approach to skin health.
“Instead of quick fixes, Korean skincare focuses on long-term results by emphasising hydration, protection, and repair—making it suitable for all skin types, especially sensitive and dry skin,” added Lily.
She at the same time lauded the beauty products as being gentle yet powerful.
“Unlike many Western skincare products that rely on harsh active ingredients, Korean formulations prioritise skin-friendly solutions that deliver results without irritation,” said Lily.
Lily, who in 2019 emerged as 2nd Runners Up at the DIAR Awards for the Environmental Champion award, reiterated that Korean skincare is the global standard for beauty.
“Korean beauty trends and routines have gained worldwide recognition, with dermatologists and skincare enthusiasts praising their effectiveness in achieving radiant, youthful skin,” she added.
According to Lily, a majority of men and women, young and old, struggle with skincare—whether it’s as simple as hydrating dry skin or dealing with persistent acne.
“I’ve been there, and I know firsthand how it affects self-esteem. But through Skin Glow Essentials, I aim to be the change—to help others achieve healthy, glowing skin with the best solutions available,” Lily concluded.
